Monday, March 30, 2009

Join us this week at the ISES April Meeting with David Merrell

You may register on site after Monday March 30th

Agenda
5:30pm: Registration, Networking
6:00pm: Dinner
6:15pm: Welcome
6:20pm: Introductions
6:35pm: Speaker
7:35pm: Questions
7:45pm: ISES Announcements
8:00pm: Evening Ends

Click Here to Register
MASTER SERIES: An Evening with David Merrill of An Original Occasion -“Walking the Tight Rope Between Creativity and Profitability”First, experience an event unlike any other - at the warehouse homes of both Kool Party Rentals and Shadow Mountain Productions! Dinner will be provided by Special Moments Catering and Events with beverage service by Pourmasters. And catching it all on camera will be Kelvin Photography!

Spend the evening with David Merrell! When David Merrell founded An Original Occasion (AOO) Events in 1989, his vision was to design and produce personalized and original events. “All truly special events,” Merrell says, “demand a customized approach in order to fully achieve the client’s vision and purpose.” It is this philosophy that has positioned AOO Events as one of the most reputable event design and production firms in Southern California.

Merrell, a native of Cleveland, moved to Los Angeles in 1983 and he worked in a sales and marketing capacity in various industries before finding his niche in special events. Combining a creative eye with sales savvy, Merrell immediately excelled in the event industry. AOO Events fast became the special event company of choice for clients ranging from former President Ronald Reagan to Warner Brothers Studios. Since 1999, AOO Events has won seven Gala Awards, the event industry’s highest honor. The awards were for Best Corporate Event in 1999 and 2000. In 2002 the fourth Gala Award and an Esprit Award was won in the Best Décor category for the movie premiere event for “John Q”. Again, AOO Events won the coveted Gala Award for Best Décor in 2003 and 2004. AOO Events recently won the 2007 Esprit Awards for Best Décor for an Individual Recently, AOO Events co-designed a series of events that was awarded a Crystal Site Award for best Multiple-Day Incentive Program at the ITME show. Dave was also nominated in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 and this year, 2007 won a Spotlight award for the “Designer of the Year” from Event Solutions Magazine. AOO Events has also just been nominated for “Event Company of the Year” by Event Solutions Magazine. Today, AOO Events produces events not only in Southern California, but worldwide.

Merrell is the former President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES), and has served in numerous positions of international boards of ISES. A former member of Special Events Magazine’s Advisory Board, Merrell is regularly featured and quoted in numerous trade and consumer publications and is a popular industry speaker both nationally and internationally. Merrell’s current office is located in Hollywood, California.
Join David as he delves into “Walking the Tight Rope Between Creativity and Productivity”…
Every Producer, Designer and Owner understands the fine line we walk every day between creativity and profitability. When do you re-invent the wheel and when do you address realistic budgetary expectations? Are you over designing the project? What are your client’s true expectations? And can you make a profit within their budget? No matter how fabulous the design, if you’re not making money you won’t be in business for long! Walk away with a whole new take on the war between designers and bean counters. Find out if you’re a right brain or left brain personality and how it effects your work and your business.
Click Here to Register

Thank you to our April Partners:
Venues/Decor - Kool Party Rentals/Shadow Mountain Productions
Catering - Special Moments Catering
Drape - Quest Drape
Beverage Service - Pourmasters
Photography - Kelvin Photographer
Speaker - David Merrell of AOO Events
Cost: $20 for student members, $40 for members, $50 for non-members if registered by Monday, March 29. Registration increases $10 after Monday, March 29 -- and at the door.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Don't Forget to Enter Your Event and Register for the Zonies!

THE THIRD ANNUAL ARIZONA EVENT INDUSTRY AWARDS (THE ZONIES) ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

March 10, 2009 – Phoenix, Arizona: The third annual Arizona Event Industry Awards – the Zonies – are now accepting applications. The winners will be announced at the Arizona Industry Awards Gala on May 13, 2009 at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale.

Award categories include:
Best On Premise Catering
Best Off Premise Catering
Best Use of Rental Equipment
Best Event Décor
Best Event Marketing Campaign
Best Lighting/Technical Production
Best Logistical Achievement
Best Entertainment
Best Fair/Festival
Best Social Event, Budget Under $25,000
Best Social Event, Budget Over $25,000
Best Non-Profit Event, Budget Under $25,000
Best Non-Profit Event, Budget Over $25,000
Best Corporate Event, Budget Under $25,000
Best Corporate Event, Budget Over $25,000

While you do not need to be a member of ISES Arizona to enter, each entrant must be a member of the event & hospitality industry in the state of Arizona and have an Arizona address. The event must also have occurred within the state of Arizona between January 1-December 31, 2008. The format for entries that must be followed is specified on the application – entries must adhere to all rules. The entry deadline is 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 and must include the $35.00 entry fee. Entries should be delivered or mailed to Brianna Patterson, Creative Event Rentals, 2850 S. 36th Street, Suite 7, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

More information, including the Rules and the Checklist, can be found at http://www.isesaz.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=79. For further information, please contact Brianna Patterson at Brianna@creativeeventrentals.com or at 480-840-0202. Tickets for the Arizona Industry Awards Gala on May 13, 2009 will be available beginning April 6, 2009.

What is ISES?The International Special Events Society is comprised of over 4,000 professionals associated among 41 chapters world wide who work in the special events industry as event planners, caterers, decorators, florists, destination management companies, rental and production companies, tent suppliers, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, hotel and convention managers, entertainers and much more. ISES provides education and networking to its members to promote professionalism in the special events industry.

Imagine This

Don't forget about the IMAGINE Industry Happy Hour details are below.
IMAGINE Happy Hour

NEW Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009

Time: 5 pm - ?

The Place To Be: Sandbar
10050 N Scottsdale Rd (Scottsdale & Gold Dust – North of Doubletree; South of Shea)

It's time we had a bit of fun! Hope to see you there.

You must be a member of the Imagine AZ group to get details so invite your business friends to join our group.

Imagine AZ Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/events.php#/group.php?gid=39004020795

Or for more information contact:
AMY PETROVSKY
SENSATIONAL EVENTS
Scottsdale: 602.696.4646
Northern AZ: 928.445.1199
Fax: 602.334.1446
Mailing Address: 16252 North 49th Place Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

Visit:www.sensational-events.com

Monday, February 23, 2009

Don't Forget to Register for the March ISES Meeting

To Register: Click Here
GREEN.
Enjoy an evening that is GREEN from start to finish - and leave with tips that you can actually implement!In the Garden, Every Occasion Comes to Life…We invite you to join us at the Desert Botanical Garden and to discover the open-air pavilions, scenic courtyards and historic settings at the venue. Once you have seen the beauty of the Garden, you will know why it’s a “natural” for both business and social events.

Enjoy dinner by Atlasta Catering and Event Concepts- one of Arizona’s most innovative caterers! Serving Arizona since 1974, their team of culinary artists is ready to design and execute your event. Overseeing everything from cuisine and decor to entertainment, florals, and staffing, Atlasta Catering is based on integrity, quality products and services, and exemplary customer service.

And…check out BBJ’s brand new eco-friendly linens that were just released! These tablecloths are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Then – listen to our expert speaker - Ira Mitchell-Steiman! Ira has more than 30 years of experience in the special events industry. He has been designing and lecturing coast to coast in the U.S., Caribbean, South America, India, Europe and Asia, which has given him a truly unique global perspective. Ira has been involved in corporate branding, stage design, entertainment coordination, costuming – you name it – and has been the recipient of numerous awards. Ira will be lecturing on…

To Register: Click Here

WHEN GREEN ISN'T GREEN.
Green is catching on. Corporations, individuals and special event firms are jumping to make themselves and their productions green or at least appear green. "Greenwashing" - the perception but not actuality of being green - is getting plenty of attention. The bigger challenge is getting a lot less attention - the determination of what is and isn't healthy for the environment...("green!"). Are natural fiber linens truly "green?" Is a wheat grass centerpiece a "green alternative?" Is fresh fruit an appropriate "green" option? See first-hand what is and what isn't green so that you can make your own educated socially responsible decisions!

Thank you to our March Partners:
Venue - Desert Botanical GardensCatering - Atlasta
Bar Service - TBA
Linens - BBJ Linens
Photography - TBA

Cost: $15 for student members, $35 for members, $45 for non-members if registered by Monday, February 2. Registration increases $10 after Monday, February 2 -- and at the door.

Agenda
5:30pm: Registration, Networking
6:00pm: Dinner6:15pm: Welcome, Introductions
6:20pm: Activity
6:35pm: Speaker
7:35pm: Questions
7:45pm: ISES Announcements
8:00pm: Evening Ends

To Register: Click Here

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

February Industry Announcements

3rd Annual Arizona Event Industry Awards – Entry Submission is Open!
You do not have to be an ISES member to enter – the Zonies are open to any and all in the event industry in Arizona! Events that occurred from January 1through December 31, 2008 are eligible for entry. Entry forms and details are on our website (www.isesaz.com) and ALL entries are due Wednesday, April 8,2009, no exceptions! The 3rd Annual Arizona Event Industry Awards will take place on Wednesday, May 13.

2nd Annual ISES AZ Golf Tournament is April 29th
Get ready to hit the links! Information regarding packages and entry forms are available online now (www.isesaz.com) – don’t wait to register and be left out!The tournament will take place on April 29th at Camelback Golf Club.

Certified Special Event Planner (CSEP) Designation
The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance,experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. Toby Indech and Charlene James have already express interest in pursuing this – if you too would like to find out more,please contact Melissa Jurcan at mjurcan@universityofphoenixstadium.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Gilbert's Exquisite Villa Sienna to Host "Brides Give Back"

Brides and Grooms Alike To Attend Wedding Expo With a Charitable Twist

Brides and grooms to attend wedding expo in order to benefit A New Leaf's Faith House, a Valley domestic violence shelter, on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 at the beautiful Villa Siena, located at 890 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85233.

MTV's Sarah Ralston of the "Real World: Hollywood" will be on hand as host for the evening and will in addition provide insight into the details of planning her own wedding.

Vendors who provide wedding-related services will showcase their talents to brides and grooms. Those among the vendors include Piece of Cake Desserts, Melissa Jill Photography and Beautiful Day Films. Courtesy of these vendors, and others, guests will have the chance to bid on exceptional wedding packages including honeymoon suites at the Hotel Valley Ho and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotels, floral bouquets, photography packages, bridal accessories, et cetera.

All attendees will be welcomed by mouth-watering hors dourves, delectable desserts and the sounds of DJs and musicians who specialize in the art of wedding entertainment.

Recessionista brides and their accompanying grooms can set the price for the wedding day services they desire through a silent and live auction. All funds raised from the auctions and expo entry will be directly donated to Faith House.

Those wishing to purchase tickets and for further details on the event should visit http://www.bridesgiveback.com/. Entry to the event is priced at only $15.

About the Faith House
A New Leaf's Faith House, established in 1974, offers a safe haven for families facing the horrors of domestic violence. With an emergency shelter open 24 hours a day, women find the hope and strength they need to break the cycle of abuse. Faith House services include a crisis hotline, safe housing, meals, case management, childcare, parenting education and life-skills classes. Between the Emergency and Transitional Shelter and their Victim Outreach program, Faith House serves more than one thousand victims of domestic violence every year, empowering these women to not just survive but achieve independence and success. For additional information, please visit http://www.faithhousearizona.com/.

Contact: Hannah Dixon; (480) 205-9131; hannah@thewhub.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Teambuilding Stadium Style

Event Planners – interested in taking part in the new teambuilding packages at University of Phoenix Stadium? Join Global Spectrum, Centerplate and 360 Teambuilding on Feb. 18th at our showcase! RSVP/Questions to Storey Pryor at spryor@universityofphoenixstadium.com or (623) 433-7126.

Valentine's Day Business Opportunity

A Living Statue is needed for an Italian Cocktail/Concert on Saturday, February 14th. The statue can be dressed in character, Venus, Romeo & Juliet, Cassanova etc… to go with the Valentine’s evening theme. Please call Katalina @ 480.451.8742

Business Opportunity for ISES Members

Eric Luoma is looking for entertainers, musicians and massage/pedicure services for hire/free/great deal during all MLB Spring Training games at Scottsdale Stadium in the Scottsdale Charro Lodge this season. The Lodge is a premium section that holds 550 people, where individuals and corporations pay $100 - $150 per game to enjoy it from a luxury perspective with full food and beverage service included. The Charros organization is looking to step up the premiums for the paying customers; this could be a good intro of a service provider.
The theme of the area is a beach theme, they are looking for steel drums, and guitarists etc, for a couple hours on each the following dates.

February 26th & 27th
March 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th and 30th
April 1st

If you are interested, contact Eric at ejluoma@flowershop.com or at his office at (480) 368-4389

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Spotlight! Arizona Returning June 17

Spotlight! 2009- Registration is Now Open!